Month: March 2020

Through the looking glass

A Deeper Understanding of Dementia

Working in the senior placement industry I deal with seniors every day, over the phone, in person, through email and texting, I feel through my interactions and spending time with the elderly population that I have a good idea of what a senior goes through on a daily basis. BOY WAS I WRONG! A few weeks ago my colleagues and I had the opportunity to experience what it feels like to have dementia through a program called A Deeper Understanding of Dementia put on by Senior Helpers and Eskaton Assisted Living and Memory Care Gold River. This Dementia Tour is a glimpse, about 5 minutes at the most, into some of the difficulties facing men and women with dementia. Have you ever been to a carnival and gone through the haunted house, or walked through the fun house with the mirrors that distort your image? That is kind of the feeling this Dementia Tour gave me, I was scared, confused, in pain, unable to think straight, it was almost like living in a nightmare. You begin by putting a piece of hard plastic in the bottom of your shoes, which has sharp hard pieces of plastic sticking into the bottom of your feet, imagine tiny little sharp teeth poking at your feet. This is to simulate the feeling of neuropathy in your feet. When I first slid the plastic insoles into my shoes, I thought it felt kinda good, like a mini massage, I thought, well that isn’t so bad. Then came the gloves, first a pair of plastic gloves for sanitary purposes, then a pair of garden gloves, which were of course over sized, to simulate the loss of touch and feel that you get as you age. Next, you are called up to a door and asked to put on a pair of glasses. These glasses are blacked out on the sides, the eyeglass piece only had a very small window to see from, and it was foggy and scratched. This is to give you an idea of what someone with macular degeneration and blocked peripheral would see, and since I could not wear my glasses it was even more out of focus and difficult to get around. After you put on the glasses, you are given headphones, which you put on, and there are sounds coming from either side and they are both different, at some points, you hear the sound of two men having a conversation in one ear then a construction site with jack-hammering and trucks backing up. There are also women talking and laughing or arguing, then a loud bang, which made me jump right out of my skin. You are then taken into a dark room with a strobe light and with your headphones on a person gives you five tasks to complete and you are supposed to complete them as quickly as you can and you are given about three or four minutes to complete the tasks. My tasks were; write a letter to your family and address it, pour yourself a half glass of water (to which I heard “pour a glass of water and drink it”), fold the towels, set the table, and put on a white sweater. I managed to put on the sweater, fold one towel, and I of course went above and beyond and poured the water and drank it. After what seemed like an eternity, knowing I could not write a letter or set the table I sat down and waited for my time to end. My feet really hurt so sitting seemed the logical step. What I found the scariest to me was the vision. I have listened to loud music my whole life so the voices and loud bangs are not all that uncommon, but the vision, that got to me. Knowing the probability that someday I will have an issue with my vision that makes things look like they did with those glasses on is down right scary. When we completed the tour we sat down with a member of Senior Helpers to discuss our experience and talk about how it affected our perception of aging. It was an amazing tour and I highly recommend that everyone, no matter if you are in the senior care industry or not, should take this opportunity to look through the eyes of our elderly.

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Clever Little Lies

A play about two couples and their hopes dreams and infidelities! But before we talk about the play, let’s talk about the B Street Theater. I am a person who enjoys taking in an experience from all of the senses, and from the moment you turn the corner and head down the dead end street you know you are in for an experience. The theater sits right on the railroad tracks, and when I say right on the tracks, I mean RIGHT ON THE TRACKS! During the play a train went by and at first I tried to figure out how they managed to get the vibration and sound so spot on, and then, what a train had to do with the play, I soon realized it was not part of the play, it was the 7 O’clock train going by. It did not distract from the play, but added a certain charm and character to the experience. The building is deceivingly small from the outside, when you walk into the theater you are greeted with a large entrance and lobby area. The room was filled with the smell of popcorn and the buzz in the room was of the day’s events and the excitement of seeing Clever Little Lies.  The staff was friendly and all smiles and seemed just as excited about the play as the attendees. As you walk into the theater to take your seat you are greeted with a simple but fluid design of a small stage set directly in the center of the seating. The theater has 112 seats and I do not believe there is a bad one in the house. Once seated the producer came out and made a few announcements and a brief description of a few of the plays on the horizon, as well as, the status of the B Street’s move to their new location. Although only seeing one play at this theater, I think I will miss the sound of the train going by when the new theater opens.

Now on to the play….. Clever Little Lies.it is about family, marriage, infidelity, and love. It takes place in a locker room, a car, and a living room, and in those three places, lives are changed forever. A mother’s intuition is like a heat seeking missile; it locks onto a target and will not rest until she makes a mess everywhere! Alice, played by Julia Brothers, is the mom with the sixth sense and Bill Sr., played by Rich Herbert, is the dad who cannot seem to keep a secret from his wife. After having a heart to heart with his son Bill, played by Jason Kuykendall, in the locker room after a tennis game, Bill Sr. finds out that Bill has been having an affair with a 25 year old fitness instructor (can you say cliché?). From there, as you can guess, Alice pulls the information from Bill Sr. and invites Bill and his wife Jane, played by Tara Sissom, over for cheesecake, and what ensues is a rollercoaster of emotions with twists and turns that will truly make you laugh and cry. Clever Little Lies is a must see!

The Playwright Joe DiPietro is beloved by the members of The B Street Theater due to his play The Virgin Weeps, which was an unsolicited play sent to the B Street Theater from DiPietro in 1994. This play took the theater from the depths of despair and allowed them to become the vibrant and active theater it is today. Joe brought Clever Little Lies to the B Street Theater directly after its extended stay off-Broadway due to his deep roots with the theater.

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Summertime in Sacramento for Seniors (Part 2)…

Events, Classes, Music, Theater, and more…

The Crocker Art Museum is so much more than art and a museum! It is a place where you can come to learn and explore your artistic and creative side. You can browse through pieces of fine art from periods throughout history, or make your own! The Crocker Art Museum was established in 1885 and is one of the leading art museums in California. They offer classes from Chinese Brush Painting to embroidery and photography, as well as, art history classes. They are located at: 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 808-7000, www.crockerartmuseum.org

B I N G O!! Do you enjoy a good game of Bingo? Then come on down to  Florin Road Bingo. They are open 7 days a week! Florin Road Bingo is located at 2350 Florin Road, Sacramento CA 95822.

Do you enjoy riding the rails along the river? Both the Sacramento RiverTrain and the California State Railroad Museum offer rides. The RiverTrain’s 28-mile ride begins in Woodland, passes through Fremont Trestle and stops in Luvdahl to prepare for the return trip. RiverTrain also stages special events such as a Murder Mystery Dinner train and a Great Train Robberies train. First opened to the public in 1976, The California State Railroad Museum complex consists of six original, reconstructed, and new buildings housing beautifully restored railroad cars and locomotives to illustrate railroad history in California and the West.

Explore the California State Fair. Carnival rides, games, animals, exhibits, concerts and fried food—what more could you want? It’s a summertime must-do. The dates for the California State Fair are July 8^th to the 24^th. Senior Savings Fridays: July 8, 15 & 22 – Discount admission of $8 for seniors 62 & better every Friday. Plus, seniors ride FREE on the Grand Carousel and the Giant Wheel. Military & Veteran Appreciation Day: July 14 – FREE admission all day for active, retired, veterans and reserve military personnel with ID.

A SENIOR CONNECTION

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Senior Health Tips: Staying Cool This Summer!

While warmer weather does mean sunnier skies and more time spent outdoors, it also means taking extra care of your health. Seniors are at especially high risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and so it is important to learn how to take care of yourself as we hit the high point of summer. Read on to find out more!

Tips for Senior Health in Hot Temperatures

Stay hydrated. If you are going to be outdoors for any period of time when the weather is hot, be sure to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can significantly decrease your risk of heat stroke.

Stick to natural fibers. When it comes to your summer wardrobe, fabrics that breathe should be your go-to. Cotton and other natural fibers can help keep you cool both indoors and out.

Keep your home cool. The outdoors is not the only location that will be affected by the heat; your home can easily heat up on hot days and reach unsafe temperatures. Use your air conditioning or run fans throughout your home to keep things cool and healthy.

Turn off lights and appliances. Make sure you turn off lights in rooms that are not being used, and during the day keep only the necessary lights on, and unplug appliances that produce heat just by being plugged in, such as, desktop computers, laptop computers, televisions, DVD players and VCRs. There are other items that may not heat up your home, but will add to your electric bills by keeping them plugged in; Stereos and radios, coffeemakers, lamps, toasters, iPods and electronic gadgets, so make sure you unplug what you can when you are not using these items.

Wear sunblock outdoors. High temperatures and bright sunlight go hand-in-hand, so if you are going to be outdoors, be sure to protect your skin from burning and damage with sunblock. It is important to not only wear sunblock, and make sure you are getting enough SPF to block the harmful rays, but wear a hat and long sleeves when you can to help save your skin from the harmful UV rays.

Know the signs of heat stroke. To maintain the best senior health possible, you should also know what to do if you experience any of the symptoms of heat stroke, including headache, nausea, dizziness, and rapid pulse. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact help immediately. Below is a diagram to help you understand the difference between a sun and a heat stroke.

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Differences Between In-Home Care & Home Health

So many times people are discharged from the hospital with directions on care they should receive once they are home. These directions can include having home health and in home care, which most people think are the same thing, but are in fact, very different. The key difference is that “home care” is non-clinical care and “home health” is clinical care.

In-Home Care is typically privately hired and out of pocket costs for caregivers to come into your home or place of living. A Senior Connection works with different reputable agencies that are licensed, bonded and insured. We can staff care from Grass Valley to Davis and from Elk grove to Placerville. Caregivers are trained by the companies and typically have experience before starting with the company. Four to twenty-four hours of care can be provided for all levels; from companionship to light housekeeping, incontinence care, bathing, to hospice. Many caregivers are not Certified Nursing Assistant’s (CNA) however there are many that do take the required classes to become a CNA. The average hourly rates range $22-26/hour.  Twelve hour shifts range around $260/shift and live-in averages about $350/day. A Senior Connection is also partnered with an in-home agency who offers private Medical Nursing Care; therefore, in some cases we are able to offer services that would require a Nurse, this usually comes at higher flat rate.

Home Health care is typically prearranged as part of clinical medical care provided by a registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist or other skilled medical professionals, and is often prescribed by the physician who was in charge of your health in the hospital, as part of a care plan following a hospitalization.  Ordered by a doctor for short term rehab and types of therapy needs (wound care, physical therapy, etc), this is covered by someone’s Medicare. You can typically get physical, occupational and speech therapy. There are also Nurses, care aides (usually a CNA, but not always) and a social worker. Someone is usually coming out 1-3 x a week for about an hour, for around 4-6 weeks. They can come to someone’s personal home or assisted living or board and care home.

Both In-Home Care and Home Health can be an important part of a person’s recovery at home after a stay in the hospital. It is important, just like a medication that you follow through on the orders given to you by the doctor. Just because you feel better does not mean you do not need to finish your rehabilitation or over extend yourself. By allowing others to help you in your recovery, you could be stronger and better than before!

A SENIOR CONNECTION

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September is Healthy Aging Month and it is important no matter what your age that you are living a healthy lifestyle, and if you are not, TODAY is the day to start!

Here are 10 Tips for Reinventing Yourself during September Is Healthy Aging® Month:

1. Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but we say it is positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about you. (Tip:  Don’t keep looking in the mirror, just FEEL IT!)
2. Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. (Tip: Stop watching the police reports on the local news.)
3. Ditch the downer friends. Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only depress you and stop you from moving forward. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too. (Tip: Smile often. It’s contagious and wards off naysayers.)
4. Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Come on. You can probably do it. Analyze your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling? (Tip: Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first, and wear comfortable shoes.)
5. Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Check out how much better your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. (Tip: Your waistline will look trimmer if you follow this advice.)
6. How’s your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. (Tip: Go to the dentist regularly and look into teeth whitening. Nothing says old more than yellowing teeth!)
7. Lonely? Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, take a class, and invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee. (Tip: Volunteer at the local public school to stay in touch with younger people and to keep current on trends, take a computer class or a tutorial session at your cell phone store to keep up with technology, choose a new person every week for your dining out.)
8. Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. (Tip: If you don’t have time for a dog, go to your local animal shelter and volunteer. You will be thrilled by the puppy love!)
9. Get a physical. Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Go to the appointments and then, hopefully, you can stop worrying about ailments for a while. (Tip: For a list of recommended annual health screenings, a great resource is the My Health Finder. 
10. Find your inner artist. Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped.  Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working in wood? (Tip: Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!)

A SENIOR CONNECTION
We specialize in helping families with Assisted Living, Residential Home Placement and In-Home Care Services.
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World Alzheimer’s Month

September is World Alzheimer’s Month. In our society today, more and more people are learning what Alzheimer’s is; unfortunately it is due to someone in your life being affected by this disease. Thankfully, today more and more scientists and geneticists are starting to understand how Alzheimer’s affects the brain and body and even some ways to combat the disease. Although there are no cures as of right now, there are thousands of people working diligently to try to change that!

Research Finds Sleep Can Fight Off Memory Loss Associated with Alzheimer’s

A study completed by professors at the Washington University School of Medicine resulted in revelations that could have implications for the improvement in memory amongst Alzheimer’s patients. The researchers conducted their experiment on fruit flies, which have sleep patterns similar to those of humans. They found that by allowing the fruit flies to sleep for longer periods of time, the flies were able to improve their ability to create new memories. If this type of improvement is possible in fruit flies, then it could be that extra sleep will be a beneficial tool for people to use in order to improve their memory and combat the memory loss-related symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Melody vs. Malady: The Benefits of Music for Alzheimer’s Patients

In the world of Alzheimer’s research, a wide range of methods of treating the disease have been tested, ranging from the logical to the unorthodox. Falling somewhere in the middle of that spectrum is the activity of listening to music, which has recently been shown to benefit Alzheimer’s patients in a noticeable way. Read on to find out more about the connection between music and Alzheimer’s patients’ health!

Study Shows Music Can Boost Memory in Alzheimer’s Patients

A group of neuroscientists conducted a study with Alzheimer’s patients and dementia to see how they responded over several months to the introduction of music to their weekly routine. Their test group attended “music sessions” where they either listened to or sang along with childhood favorite tunes. The familiarity of the songs could be a key to the successes of the experiment that were documented; because singing along with them required recalling lyrics and tunes from years ago, it helped to stimulate the participants’ memories and thus their overall cognitive function.

The study showed specifically that singing along to music helped with thinking skills, but that is not all. In addition to benefitting the cognitive abilities of Alzheimer’s patients, music has also been linked to stress reduction and mood enhancement. It is a natural way to combat depression-like symptoms and is easily incorporated into a daily routine. You can listen to music while cooking dinner, reading, or as an activity in and of itself to bring a dose of memory-boosting enjoyment to your day!

When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements. Think about when you listen to your favorite song, it makes you smile and tap your toes, maybe even sing along, but if you hear a song that reminds you of a bad memory, you might even begin to cry. These can be typical responses when hearing music.

This happens because rhythmic and other well-rehearsed responses require little to no cognitive or mental processing. They are influenced by the motor center of the brain that responds directly to auditory rhythmic cues. A person’s ability to engage in music, particularly rhythm playing and singing, remains intact late into the disease process because, again, these activities do not mandate cognitive functioning for success. Most people associate music with important events and a wide array of emotions. The connection can be so strong that hearing a tune long after the occurrence evokes a memory of it.

If the links with the music are unknown, it is difficult to predict an individual’s response. Therefore, observe a person’s reaction to a particular arrangement and discontinue it if it evokes distress, such as agitation, facial grimaces or increasing muscular tension.

 Selections from the individual’s young adult years—ages 18 to 25—are most likely to have the strongest responses and the most potential for engagement.

Unfamiliar music can also be beneficial because it carries no memories or emotions. This may be the best choice when developing new responses, such as physical relaxation designed to manage stress or enhance sleep.

As individuals progress into late-stage dementia, music from their childhood, such as folk songs, work well. Singing these songs in the language in which they were learned sparks the greatest involvement.

Non-verbal individuals in late dementia often become agitated out of frustration and sensory overload from the inability to process environmental stimuli. Engaging them in singing, rhythm playing, dancing, physical exercise, and other structured music activities can diffuse this behavior and redirect their attention.

For best outcomes, carefully observe an individual’s patterns in order to use music therapies just prior to the time of day when disruptive behaviors usually occur.

There are many ways to become involved in the lives of your loved ones who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s and music is truly a great way!

A SENIOR CONNECTION

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What is Arthritis?

According to the Arthritis Foundation; Arthritis is very common but is not well understood. Actually, “arthritis” is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, sexes and races can and do have arthritis, and it is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.

Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may come and go. They can be mild, moderate or severe. They may stay about the same for years, but may progress or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints.

There are different types of arthritis:

Degenerative Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the cartilage – the slick, cushioning surface on the ends of bones – wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Over time, joints can lose strength and pain may become chronic. Risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury (an anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear, for example).

When the joint symptoms of osteoarthritis are mild or moderate, they can be managed by: balancing activity with rest, using hot and cold therapies, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles around the joint for added support, using assistive devices, taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines, avoiding excessive repetitive movements.

If joint symptoms are severe, causing limited mobility and affecting quality of life, some of the above management strategies may be helpful, but joint replacement may be necessary.

Osteoarthritis can prevented by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding injury and repetitive movements.

Inflammatory Arthritis

A healthy immune system is protective. It generates internal inflammation to get rid of infection and prevent disease. But the immune system can go awry, mistakenly attacking the joints with uncontrolled inflammation, potentially causing joint erosion and may damage internal organs, eyes and other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Researchers believe that a combination of genetics and environmental factors can trigger autoimmunity. Smoking is an example of an environmental risk factor that can trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with certain genes.

With autoimmune and inflammatory types of arthritis, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is critical. Slowing disease activity can help minimize or even prevent permanent joint damage. Remission is the goal and may be achieved through the use of one or more medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage.

Infectious Arthritis

A bacterium, virus or fungus can enter the joint and trigger inflammation. Examples of organisms that can infect joints are salmonella and shigella (food poisoning or contamination), chlamydia and gonorrhea (sexually transmitted diseases) and hepatitis C (a blood-to-blood infection, often through shared needles or transfusions). In many cases, timely treatment with antibiotics may clear the joint infection, but sometimes the arthritis becomes chronic.

Metabolic Arthritis

Uric acid is formed as the body breaks down purines, a substance found in human cells and in many foods. Some people have high levels of uric acid because they naturally produce more than is needed or the body can’t get rid of the uric acid quickly enough. In some people the uric acid builds up and forms needle-like crystals in the joint, resulting in sudden spikes of extreme joint pain, or a gout attack. Gout can come and go in episodes or, if uric acid levels aren’t reduced, it can become chronic, causing ongoing pain and disability.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Arthritis diagnosis often begins with a primary care physician, who performs a physical exam and may do blood tests and imaging scans to help determine the type of arthritis. An arthritis specialist, or rheumatologist, should be involved if the diagnosis is uncertain or if the arthritis may be inflammatory. Rheumatologists typically manage ongoing treatment for inflammatory arthritis, gout and other complicated cases. Orthopaedic surgeons do joint surgery, including joint replacements. When the arthritis affects other body systems or parts, other specialists, such as ophthalmologists, dermatologists or dentists, may also be included in the health care team.

What Can Be Done About Arthritis?

There are many things that can be done to preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life. Learning about the disease and treatment options, making time for physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are essential. Arthritis is a commonly misunderstood disease. The Arthritis Foundation is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all people with arthritis. Its website, arthritis.org, has many resources for learning about arthritis, practical tips for daily living and more.

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Great Low Impact Exercises for Seniors

Taking care of our bodies gets increasingly important as we age. The better shape we stay in, the more likely we are to ward off disease and body deterioration. Finding exercises that are easy as we age isn’t always easy, though. It’s important to make sure that our bodies can handle the exercises without worsening a condition. For seniors, this means low impact exercises – basically anything that avoids putting a lot of pressure on bones and joints (running is a big no-no). Staying in shape as we age doesn’t have to be difficult or painful. 

Swimming and Water Aerobics – The great thing about water is that it’s basically zero impact. The water helps hold you up, but you still have enough resistance FROM the water to get your muscles moving and your heart rate up. It’s a good way to lose weight and gain muscle without worrying about hurting your joints or bones in the process. Water aerobics classes are also a good way to meet other people with similar interests!

Yoga and Tai Chi – Getting a good connection between mind and body remains important as people age. Yoga and Tai Chi are both great solutions for this. Since all of the movements are meant to be fluid and fairly slow, it means that joints and bones won’t be strained during the workout. There is a lot of stretching and toning involved in both Yoga and Tai Chi; they help to build flexibility and prevent injuries. Most local gyms and studios offer Yoga classes and some even cater to the 55+ crowd for a custom workout.

Low Impact Aerobic and Stretching – These exercises can help keep your body and mind in good condition for longer. Always consult a doctor before you start any kind of exercise routine to make sure that your body can handle it!

Walking and Biking – Biking is nearly no impact, but it can be hard on the knees. Walking follows along these same lines. The most important thing to remember when picking up a walking or biking routine (after your doctor has given you the okay) is to get a good pair of shoes – they should fit well and support your feet as well as your body. Try walking on trails with friend or family to get the most out of a walking routine. It can help you get in touch with nature and spend some extra time with those that you hold dearest.

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Where Will All The People Go?

We have all heard the statistics about the baby boomer population; at the end of World War II, more babies were born in 1946 than ever before: 3.4 million, 20 percent more than in 1945. This was the beginning of the so-called “baby boom.” In 1947, another 3.8 million babies were born; 3.9 million were born in 1952; and more than 4 million were born every year from 1954 until 1964, when the boom finally tapered off. By then, there were 76.4 million “baby boomers” in the United States. They made up almost 40 percent of the nation’s population. Today, the oldest baby boomers are already in their 60s. By 2030, about one in five Americans will be older than 65, and some experts believe that the aging of the population will place a strain on social welfare and housing systems.

According to a paper written by The National Center for Biotechnology Information: the real challenges of caring for the elderly in 2030 will involve: (1) making sure society develops payment and insurance systems for long-term care that work better than existing ones, (2) taking advantage of advances in medicine and behavioral health to keep the elderly as healthy and active as possible, (3) changing the way society organizes community services so that care is more accessible, and (4) altering the cultural view of aging to make sure all ages are integrated into the fabric of community life.

The experts say that in just a few short years, as the population of baby boomers retires, long-term care of the elderly will become a national crisis. In fact, it’s estimated that 70 percent of Americans who reach the age of 65 will need some kind of long-term care for at least three years during their lifetime.

On the health care front, seniors with chronic conditions like heart disease, kidney problems, respiratory ailments and obesity utilize high volumes of complex health care services – roughly 84 percent of U.S. health care dollars and 99 percent of Medicare spending. Strengthening the collaborative bonds between health and housing must become an urgent national priority as we prepare for the demographic changes ahead.

WE have looked at the economy and the challenges for care, but what about you? What do you need to do to prepare yourself for retirement and any medical issues that may arise. We all want to think that we will be healthy until the end, but we all know that is unrealistic and being prepared is the smartest thing to do!

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.